.Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (born February 2, 1977),[2] known professionally as Shakira (pronounced /ʃəˈkɪərə/, Spanish: [tʃaˈkiɾa] or [ʃaˈkiɾa]),[3] is a Colombian[4]singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, dancer and philanthropist who emerged as a musical prodigy in the music scene of Latin America in the early 1990s.^Front Page Articles Pictures Videos Lookbooks more Polls Notes Links History Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll (born February 2, 1977), known simply as Shakira, is a two-time Grammy Award and eight-time Latin Grammy Award-winning Colombian singer-songwriter, musician and record producer who has been a major figure in...

[6].After commercial flops with local producers on her first two albums, and little-known outside Colombia, Shakira decided to produce her own brand of music.^After commercial flops with local producers on her first two albums, and little-known outside Colombia, Shakira decided to produce her own brand of music.

In 1995 she released Pies Descalzos, which brought her great fame in Latin America and Spain, and her 1998 album ¿Dónde Están los Ladrones? was a critical success. .Since then she has gained many fans in semi-Hispanophone countries, and many non-Spanish-speaking countries, especially the United States.^Since then she has gained many fans in semi-Hispanophone countries, especially the United States, and many non-Spanish-speaking countries.

.In 2001, and aided by heavy rotation of the music video, "Whenever, Wherever", she broke through into the English-speaking world with the release of Laundry Service, which sold over 13 million copies worldwide.^The single/video "Whenever, Wherever" was released in advance of the album in late 2001, and made her a star in the English-speaking world almost overnight.

[7][8] Four years later, Shakira released two album projects called Fijación Oral Vol. 1 and Oral Fixation Vol. 2. .Both reinforced her success, particularly with the most successful song in the 21st century to date, "Hips Don't Lie".[9] From October-November 2009 Shakira released her latest album She Wolf worldwide.^Shakira's a sassy songbird with endless potential and, as the song says, her hips don't lie.

.She is also the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, and the second most successful female Latin singer having sold round about 50 million albums worldwide.^All told, Shakira has sold more than 26 million albums worldwide.

[8].Additionally, she is the only artist from South America to reach the number-one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, the Australian ARIA chart, and the UK Singles Chart.^Additionally, she is one of the only artists to have 10 Spanish singles chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

.She is the only child of Nidya del Carmen Ripoll Torrado and William Mebarak Chadid, who are of Lebanese, Spanish (Catalan) and Italian descent.^Born February 2, 1977, Shakira is of Spanish, Italian, and Lebanese descent.

[16][17] It is the feminine form of the name Shakir. .Her second name, Isabel, is also that of her paternal grandmother, meaning "my God is my oath", "my God's house" or "my God is abundance", and her name is a Spanish given name for Elizabeth.^Her second name, Isabel, is also that of her paternal grandmother meaning beautiful.

.As she was growing up, she was fascinated watching her father writing stories on a typewriter, and asked for one as a Christmas gift.^Growing up, Shakira enjoyed watching her father create poetry on the family typewriter, and at age 4, she wrote her first one, "La Rosa de Cristal."

.She got her wish at age seven and continued writing poetry.^Fancying herself a true "artista," Shakira has been dancing, writing and singing since age three and continues to write all of her own music.

.At the age of two, an older half-brother was killed in a motorcycle accident and at the age of eight, Shakira wrote her first song entitled "Tus gafas oscuras" ("Your dark glasses") which was inspired by her father, who for years wore dark glasses, to hide his grief.^Tus gafas oscuras .

.When Shakira was four, her father took her to a local Middle Eastern restaurant, where Shakira first heard the doumbek, a traditional drum used in Arabic music and which typically accompanied belly dancing.^When Shakira was four, her father took her to a local Middle Eastern restaurant, where Shakira first heard the doumbek, a traditional drum used in Arabic music and which typically accompanied belly dancing.

[20].Before she knew it, Shakira was dancing on the table, as restaurant patrons responded by clapping enthusiastically.^By the time she was seven, Shakira displayed an impressive dancing ability when she joined a group of belly dancers at a Middle Eastern restaurant.

.It was then that Shakira said she knew she wanted to be a performer.^Shakira knew early on that she wanted to be a professional musician and by the time she was 8, she was already writing her own songs.

.She enjoyed singing for schoolmates and teachers (and even the nuns) at her Catholic school, but in the second grade was rejected for the school choir because her vibrato was too strong.^After being rejected from her school choir, she persisted and looked for other singing opportunities and began competing in a weekly television singing competition for children Vivan Los Nios (Long Live the Kids).

^While in school, Shakira was making her musical talent known by winning talent shows playing the guitar, and she was even kicked out of her school choir because her voice drowned out the other choir singers.

.The music teacher told her that she sounded "like a goat".[20][21] At school, she says she had been known as "the belly dancer girl", as she would demonstrate every Friday at school a number she had learned.^At school, she says she had been known as "the belly dancer girl", as she would demonstrate a number she learned every Friday at school.

.While the details were sorted out, she stayed with relatives in Los Angeles.^It helps that they've been committed to getting out and meeting fans, which they did yesterday at the ArcLight Cinemas in Los Angeles.

.On returning to Barranquilla, she was shocked to find that much of what her parents owned had been sold; as she later said "In my childish head, this was the end of the world."^My parents took me to the park where all the orphans sniffed glue to deal with the tragedies of their own lives.

[15].To show her that things could be worse, her father took her to a local park to see orphans who lived there, sniffing glue.^My parents took me to the park where all the orphans sniffed glue to deal with the tragedies of their own lives.

^My parents took me to the park where there were many kids who were orphans and barefoot and sniffing glue --Shakira "They wanted to show me another reality that was much worse than mine," she said, "to make me gain perspective on things."

.The images stayed with her and she said to herself "one day I’m going to help these kids when I become a famous artist."^At the event she said: "Let's not forget that at the end of this day when we all go home, 960 children will have died in Latin America [1] ."

.Between the ages of ten and thirteen Shakira was invited to various events in Barranquilla and gained some recognition in the area.^Between the ages of ten and thirteen Shakira was invited to various events in Barranquilla and gained some recognition in the area.

[22].It was at about this time that she met local theater producer Monica Ariza, who was impressed with her and as a result tried to help her career.^It was at about this time that she met local theater producer Monica Ariza, who was impressed with her and as a result tried to help her career.

.During a flight from Barranquilla to Bogotá, Ariza convinced Sony Colombia executive Ciro Vargas to hold an audition for Shakira in a hotel lobby.^During a flight from Barranquilla to Bogotá, Ariza convinced Sony Colombia executive Ciro Vargas to hold an audition for Shakira in a motel lobby.

.Vargas held Shakira in high regard and, returning to the Sony office, gave the cassette to a song and artist director.^Vargas held Shakira in high regard and, returning to the Sony office, gave the cassette to a song and artist director.

.However, the director was not overly excited and thought Shakira was something of "a lost cause". Vargas, not daunted, was still convinced that Shakira had talent, and set up an audition in Bogotá.^Vargas, not daunted, was still convinced that Shakira had talent, and set up an audition in Bogot?.

.He arranged for Sony Colombia executives to arrive at the audition, with the idea of surprising them with Shakira's performance.^He arranged for Sony Colombia executives to arrive at the audition, with the idea of surprising them with Shakira's performance.

.She performed three songs for the executives and impressed them enough for her to be signed to record three albums.^She performed three songs for the executives and impressed them enough for her to be subsequently signed to record three albums.

Career

1990-1994: Magia and Peligro

.Shakira's debut album, Magia, was recorded with Sony Music in 1990 when she was only thirteen years old.^She was signed to Sony Columbia and released her debut album Magia in 1991 when she was only fourteen.

.The songs are a collection penned by her since she was 8, mixed pop-rockballads and disco with electronic accompaniment, however it was hampered by a lack of recording and production cohesion.^Since then, she established herself as a crossover star with a groundbreaking blend of pop and rock styles.

.The album was released in 1991 and featured Magia and three other singles.^The single/video "Whenever, Wherever" was released in advance of the album in late 2001, and made her a star in the English-speaking world almost overnight.

.Though it fared well on Colombian radio and gave the young Shakira much exposure, the album did not fare well commercially: only 1,200 copies were sold.^The album did not fare well commercially, selling less than one thousand copies.

[20] and the music video for .Magia became first national pop video in Colombia.^At the age of 14 Shakira released her first album, Magia ( Magic ), on Sony Records and became a success in her native country of Colombia.

.Although little known outside of her native Colombia, Shakira was invited to perform at Chile's Viña del Mar International Song Festival in February 1993. The festival gave aspiring Latin American singers a chance to perform their songs, and the winner was then chosen by a panel of judges.^Although she was barely known outside of Colombia, Shakira was invited to appear at Chile's Viña del Mar International Song Festival in February 1993.

.Shakira performed the ballad "Eres" ("You Are") and won the trophy for third place.^Shakira's emotional performance of powerful ballad "Eres" (You Are) landed her in third place and began to build her profile outside of Colombia.

.The second studio album Peligro of the same genre was released in 1993, but Shakira was not pleased with the final result, mainly taking issue with the production.^After Magia , Shakira released Peligro ( Danger ) in 1993.

.The album was better received than Magia, though it was also considered a commercial failure, due to Shakira's refusal to advertise it.^The album was better received than Magia , though it was also considered a commercial failure, due to Shakira's refusal to advertise it.

In the same year, Shakira starred in the Colombian TV Series "The Oasis", loosely based on the Armero tragedy in 1985.

1995–1997: Pies Descalzos

.Shakira originally recorded the song ¿Dónde Estás Corazón? (later released on her album Pies Descalzos) for the compilation album "Nuestro Rock" in 1995, released exclusively in Colombia.^The name of the foundation is taken from Shakira's third studio album called Pies Descalzos , released in 1995.

.Shakira returned to recording in 1995 with Luis F. Ochoa, using musical influences from a number of countries and an Alanis Morissette-oriented persona which affected some of her next albums,[24] and made her third studio album, Pies Descalzos (English: Bare Feet).^The name of the foundation is taken from Shakira's third studio album called Pies Descalzos , released in 1995.

.Recording for the album began in February 1995, after the success of her single ¿Dónde Estás Corazón?.^Shakira set the music world on fire in 2001 with her single 'Wherever, Whenever', which hails from her highly successful album 'Laundry Service.'

.Sony gave Shakira $100,000 to produce the album since they predicted that the album would not sell past 100,000 copies.^After commercial flops with local producers on her first two albums, and little-known outside Colombia, Shakira decided to produce her own brand of music.

^That fourth album was the album that exploded Shakira into international celebrity, ending up with six hit singles in Latin America, topping the charts in eight countries and eventually selling a million copies in the U.S. .

.Starting with this album, Shakira began producing her own music, perfecting her vocals and most of all, creative control over her music.^After commercial flops with local producers on her first two albums, and little-known outside Colombia, Shakira decided to produce her own brand of music.

^Noted for her aggressive, rock-influenced approach, Shakira maintained an extraordinary degree of creative control over her music, especially for a female artist; she wrote or co-wrote nearly all of her own material, and in the process gained a reputation as one of Latin music’s most ambitiously poetic lyricists.

.Highly influenced by American alternative market and British groups such as The Pretenders, the album was decently presented at small auditorium at La Castilian Theater in Bogotá on October 6, 1995. The tunes of the album are melodic, musically surprising and gritty, with intellectual lyrics and an electronic/acoustic blend that effectively broke the formulaic mold of Latin pop with an authentic sound that hadn’t been heard before.^RBD, which reached young listeners with its album "Rebelde" (Rebel), won best Latin pop album for a duo or group, and the same award for new artists.

It debuted at #1 in 8 different countries. .However, in the U.S. Billboard 200 the album reached #180 peak position and #5 in the U.S. Billboard Top Latin Albums.^Shakira topped the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart with Fijacion Oral .

.In March 1996, Shakira went on to her first international tour named simply “Tour Pies Descalzos”, that was saddened by death of several fans because of uncontrolled crowd of 50,000 people at the concert in the singer’s native city of Barranquilla.^What city in Colombia is the singer Shakira from?

.Pies Descalzos sold over 5 million copies,[28][29] prompting the release of a remix album, titled simply The Remixes.^She left the show in 1995 and released her 3rd album Pies Descalzos in 1996 (it sold over a million copies in Columbia).

^The first results were Pies Descalzos, which was initially released in 1995; a slow seller at first, the album gradually caught on thanks to "Estoy Aqui," which became a hit all over Latin America, as well as Spain.

.The Remixes also included Portuguese versions of some of her best-known songs, which were recorded as a result of her success in the Brazilian market, where Pies Descalzos sold nearly one million copies.^The Remixes was created and featured remixes from the songs on Pies descalzos.

.She was chosen from dozens of Latin singers to grace the cover of Time magazine in the article titled Era of the Rockera.^The festival gave aspiring Latin American singers a chance to perform their songs, and the winner was then chosen by a panel of judges.

Her fourth album, ¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones? (English: Where Are The Thieves?) produced entirely by Shakira herself and Emilio .Estefan, Jr. as the executive, was released on September 28, 1998. The album, inspired by an incident in an airport in which a suitcase full of her written lyrics was stolen, became a bigger hit than Pies Descalsos.On the day of its official release in Miami the album sold to 300,000 copies in one day.^Emilio Estefan turned out to be an even bigger hit than its predecessor in 1998.

^The first results were Pies Descalzos, which was initially released in 1995; a slow seller at first, the album gradually caught on thanks to "Estoy Aqui," which became a hit all over Latin America, as well as Spain.

.All Music Guide and Rolling Stone gave to the album 4.5/5 stars and Donde Estan Los Ladrones has reached #131 peak position in the U.S. Billboard 200 and charting 11 weeks top spot on the Billboard Top Latin Albums.^Last week's position 9 Weeks on chart 4 Peak .

.It sold over 1,500,000 copies in the U.S. alone, making it one of the best selling Spanish albums in the U.S. Eight of the album's eleven tracks became singles, including Ciega, Sordomuda (U.S. Latin #1), Moscas En La Casa (U.S. Latin #25), No Creo (U.S. Latin #9, U.S. #74), Inevitable (U.S. Latin #3), Tú (U.S. Latin #1, U.S. #95), Si Te Vas, Octavo Día, and the world-famous, Arabic tinged Ojos Así (U.S. Latin #22).^The single/video "Whenever, Wherever" was released in advance of the album in late 2001, and made her a star in the English-speaking world almost overnight.

^The Remixes also included Portuguese versions of some of her best-known songs, which were recorded as a result of her success in the Brazilian market, where Pies Descalzos sold nearly one million copies.

[31].Shakira's first live album, MTV Unplugged was recorded in New York City on August 12, 1999. Highly acclaimed by American critics, it is rated as one of her best-ever live performances.^I live in New York City and my parents live in Jackson Heights.

[33].In March 2000, Shakira embarked on her Tour Anfibio, a two-month tour of Latin America and the United States.^In March 2000 Shakira embarked on Tour Anfibio , a three-month tour of Latin America and the United States.

.Shakira's performance of Ojos Asi was voted as the Greatest Latin Grammy performance of all time.^Shakira has won two Grammy Awards in her career: Best Latin Pop Album for Shakira MTV Unplugged (2001) and Best Latin Rock/Alternative for Fijación Oral Vol.

.Thanks to other successful crossover acts, most notably that of Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias, the crossover of Spanish artists to the English market had a great surge of popularity in mainstream music and it was the next logical step in the singer’s career.^English market crossover .

^Other Spanish-language albums followed, each faring better than its predecessor, but it was not until 2001 that she achieved a world-wide breakthrough with the English-language "Laundry Service" album.

."Whenever, Wherever" ("Suerte" in Spanish countries) was released as the first and lead single from Shakira's first English album in October 2001. The song takes heavy influence from Andean music, including the charango and panpipes in its instrumentation.^All songs on this album are in Spanish.

.The track was produced by Shakira, and it was an international success.^Seeking to build on her success, Shakira signed Emilio Estefan -- Gloria's husband and a highly successful music-biz insider -- as her manager and producer.

.The third international studio and the first English-Spanish language album Laundry Service (Servicio De Lavanderia in Latin America and Spain) was released on November 13, 2001. The album debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200 Albums chart.^With bilingual albums like Laundry Service (Servicio de Lavanderia) and Oral Fixation, Vol.

.Because the album was created with the intent of selling to an English language market, the rock and Spanish dance-influenced album gained mild critical success: some critics claimed that her English skills were too weak for her to write in it with Rolling Stone stating "she sounds downright silly" or "Shakira's magic is lost in translation."^Although it was created with the intent of selling to an English language market, the rock and Spanish dance -influenced album also featured four Spanish songs, including "Que Me Quedes T?" (As Long as You Stay with Me).

^Although it was created for the intent of selling to an English language market, the rock and Spanish dance-influenced album also featured four Spanish songs, including "Que Me Quedes Tú" ( That You Stay With Me ).

[36][37] and became the most successful album in singer’s career. .Around this time, Shakira also released four songs for Pepsi for her promotion in the English markets: "Ask for More", "Pide Mas", "Knock on My Door" and "Pideme El Sol", included in the extended playPepsi CD.^Pideme El Sol lyrics .

.In September 2002, Shakira won the now-defunct International Viewer's Choice Award at the MTV Video Music Awards with "Whenever, Wherever". Shakira also won the Latin Grammy Award for the category of Best Short Form Music Video for the Spanish version of this video.^She won the 2001 Best Latin pop Grammy for her "MTV Unplugged" album.

.In October of that year, she won five MTV Video Music Awards Latin America for "Best Female Artist", "Best Pop Artist", "Best Artist—North (Region)", "Video of the Year" (for "Suerte"), and "Artist of the Year". Laundry Service was certified triple platinum by RIAA in June[38] and thus helped to establish Shakira's musical presence in the mainstream North American market.^MTV Unplugged was certified platinum.

^Shakira's female rocker style garnered her the World Music Award for Latin Female Artist of the Year, while the phenomenal success of Laundry Service and "Whenever, Wherever" has catapulted her to fame.

.A DVD and ten-track live album, called Live & Off the Record, was also released in 2004, reaching sales of 3 million CDs worldwide, and commemorating the Tour of the Mongoose, which had a worldwide audience of 1.2 million people.^A DVD and ten-track compilation album, called Live & Off the Record , was also released in 2004, reaching sales of 3 million CDs worldwide, and commemorating Shakira's world tour, the Tour of the Mongoose.

^A DVD and ten-track compilation album called Live & Off the Record , was also released in 2004 reaching sales of 3 million CDs worldwide, commemorating Shakira's 2002-2003 world tour, the Tour Of The Mongoose.

Fijación Oral Vol. .1, the first album of the project, was released on June 3, 2005 in Ireland, on June 6, 2005 in Europe, and on June 7, 2005 in North America, Latin America and Australia.^The first album, Fijacin Oral 1 (released in June 2005), followed by Oral Fixation 2, (which will be released in November 2005).

.The lead single from the album, "La Tortura" (U.S. #23), which features the Spanish balladeer Alejandro Sanz, was released as a single in April and achieved large-scale success in different radio and chart formats.^The single " La Tortura " was certified platinum.

.Shakira became the first artist to perform a Spanish language song at the MTV Video Music Awards.^This track was so hot when it appeared in 2005, that it was the first Spanish song performed at the MTV Video Music Awards, where it was also nominated.

1 was very well received by the public. .It debuted at number four on the ‘’Billboard 200’’ chart on the week of June 15. According to that publication, the album sold 157,000 copies in its first week of release in the U.S., becoming the highest debut ever for Spanish language albums.^According to that publication, the album sold 157,000 copies in its first week of release in the U.S., becoming the highest debut ever for a Spanish language album.

.In Latin America, on the very day of its official release in Venezuela, it went Platinum, in Colombia, triple Platinum and in Mexico, it was sold-out.^In Latin America, on the very day of its official release in Venezuela, it went Platinum, in Colombia, triple Platinum and in Mexico, it was sold-out.

^In 2001, she broke through into the English-speaking market with the release of her first album in that language, Laundry Service, which she wrote and produced herself and which has sold 3 million copies in the United States and 13 million copies worldwide.

.Four other singles were released following "La Tortura": "No" (U.S. Latin #11), "Dia De Enero" (Colombia #1), "La Pared" (Spain #1) and 2007’s "Las De La Intuición", which became the final single reaching #1 position in Spain and Argentina for several weeks and featuring Shakira with a brightpurplewig and black tie in some hyper-sexualized scenes in her music video with Jaume de Laiguana as the director.^Las De La Intuición lyrics .

.1 sold over 5 million copies worldwide.^In 2001, she broke through into the English-speaking market with the release of her first album in that language, Laundry Service, which has sold over fifteen million copies worldwide.

^In 2001, with the heavy rotation of the music video "Whenever, Wherever" on MTV and VH1, she broke through into the English-speaking world with the release of Laundry Service, which sold over twenty million copies worldwide.

.Two tracks from the album, How Do You Do and Timor, sparked some controversy at the time of its release in the Muslim countries.^Four years later, in the same year Shakira released two album projects called Fijación Oral Vol.

.The cover of the album that features Shakira in the image of Eve with forbidden fruit was also considered controversial, and had to be altered in several countries.^The cover of the album was also considered controversial, and it had to be altered in several countries.

.In the beginning of 2006, HaitianrapperWyclef Jean joined Shakira to record the second single for the album.^Shakira set the music world on fire in 2001 with her single 'Wherever, Whenever', which hails from her highly successful album 'Laundry Service.'

."Hips Don't Lie", the biggest hit of the 21st century, became Shakira's first number one single on the U.S. ‘’Billboard Hot 100’’, in addition cracking number one in at least 55 countries.^Shakira hit #1 for 6 weeks with " Hips Don't Lie ."

.Shakira also released the third and the last single "Illegal" featuring Carlos Santana, that reached top positions in some European countries and in the dance charts in the U.S. On February 10, 2007, Shakira performed on the 49th Grammy Awards for the first time ever and earned the nomination Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Hips Don’t Lie" with Wyclef Jean.^Shakira hit #1 for 6 weeks with " Hips Don't Lie ."

.2 sold over 8 million copies worldwide.^In 2001, she broke through into the English-speaking market with the release of her first album in that language, Laundry Service, which has sold over fifteen million copies worldwide.

^In 2001, with the heavy rotation of the music video "Whenever, Wherever" on MTV and VH1, she broke through into the English-speaking world with the release of Laundry Service, which sold over twenty million copies worldwide.

[42].Shakira embarked on her fourth longest tour, the Oral Fixation Tour, in June, 2006. The tour had 125 shows between June 14, 2006 and July 9, 2007. She performed on 5 continents: Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Africa with the worldwide audience of over 2.5 million people.^Shakira - Oral Fixation vol.

.During this tour, Shakira performed a free concert in Mexico City on May 27, 2007 with over 210,000 in attendance.^After her Oral Fixation tour ended in summer 2007, Shakira audited a class in Los Angeles at UCLA, on the History of Western Civilization.

This concert sets the record for the highest attendance of any concert in Mexican history. .Shakira also performed on July 9, 2006 at the FIFA World Cup final in Germany.^On July 7th, Shakira performed at the Live Earth concert in Germany.

2008-present: She Wolf and forthcoming Spanish album

.During an online chat with her fans in El Heraldo,[44] she revealed that she was going to start writing her New Album in February 2008. Furthermore, at the CD release party for Shakira's singer-songwriter cousin Isa Mebarak in Colombia, Shakira's father William Mebarak stated that Shakira is currently at work beginning to write and produce new songs for her upcoming album.^What are some of the songs Shakira produced?

.After two weeks in London, Shakira flew to Colombia for a peace concert in Leticia (at the three way border of Colombia, Peru and Brazil) with Carlos Vives.^POP superstar Shakira flew into London for a special meeting with ...

.Followed by hundreds of thousands of fellow Colombians, Shakira was calling for the release of hostages being held by rebels in Colombia and an end to similar kidnappings in the region.^If Shakira tells you all the other Colombian girls called her a dwarf, you can take 5'2" with a big pinch of salt, believe me.

.September 2009" style="white-space:nowrap;">[citation needed] Afterward, it was reported by Noticias Caracol in Colombia that Shakira returned to her home studio in the Bahamas and continued recording "a little something" with members of Vives' band.^Currently, Shakira is working on final touches of her upcoming eighth studio album that will be released approximately in the summer 2009.

.In an exclusive interview with Elenco Magazine in Colombia, Shakira confirmed that she has already written nearly 30 songs for the new album but still continues writing, although it is still too early to reveal too much.^How many albums has shakira written?

[46].It is known that Swedish-Moroccan producer RedOne is working on Shakira's upcoming album.^Currently, Shakira is working on final touches of her upcoming eighth studio album that will be released approximately in the summer 2009.

.He previously worked with Shakira on the "Bamboo Mix" of her hit "Hips Don't Lie" which she performed at the World Cup in 2006.[47] On her official forum,[48] the Admin/moderator posted some new info on Shakira's new album.^Music video by Shakira featuring Wyclef Jean performing Hips Don t Lie (featuring Wyclef Jean).

.He said that Shakira is still doing some experimental phases of the album in various parts of the world (Miami, Florida with Wyclef Jean (producer), Vancouver, Canada (with Luis F. Ochoa), Los Angeles, California (with Red One), London, Uruguay and Bahamas).^What are some of the songs Shakira produced?

.On July 2, 2008, Shakira signed a 10-year deal with Live Nation, the international touring giant that has begun signing up marquee names for lucrative all-purpose contracts.^(July 17, 2008) Is set to sign a $70 million contract with Live Nation.

[49] The record label will encompass tours, recordings, sponsorship and merchandise throughout the world, she announced. ."Shakira is one of the few truly global artists," said Jason Garner, global music chief of Live Nation.^Shakira is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is one of their global representatives.

"She can sell music and tickets in nearly every corner of the globe."[50].Neither Shakira's representatives nor Live Nation would confirm the value of the deal, but people close to the negotiations said that depending on Shakira's performance over the 10 years, it is likely to be worth between $70 million and $100 million.^Shakira performed on Saturday Night Live .

^House Of Shakira Set For Sweden Rock And Live DVD Metal Underground - Urbana,MD,USA Swedish melodic hard rock sensations House Of Shakira have been confirmed for this years Sweden Rock Festival (http://www.swedenrock.com) taking place from the ...

.Shakira's contract with Epic Records calls for three more albums—one in English, one in Spanish, and a compilation, but the touring and other rights of the Live Nation deal would begin immediately.^Shakira will be featured on Annie Lennox's new song called "Sing", from the album Songs of Mass Destruction , which also features other twenty-three female singers such as Madonna, KT Tunstall, Faith Hill, Dido, Celine Dion, Melissa Etheridge, Joss Stone, Fergie, Anastacia and Pink.

.In early 2008, Forbes has named Shakira the fourth top-earning female artist in music industry.^Shakira signed a ten-year contract with Live Nation in 2008, prompting Forbes to deem her the fourth top-earning female musician in history.

^Noted for her aggressive, rock-influenced approach, Shakira maintained an extraordinary degree of creative control over her music, especially for a female artist; she wrote or co-wrote nearly all of her...

.Shakira's official website announced that "The full album is She Wolf due out in October 2009 from Epic" and it "features a predominantly English track list". The site also announced that a Spanish album will be released in 2010.[52] The first single from the English album is titled "She Wolf".[53][54] Shakira wrote and produced the track with John Hill, and Sam Endicott (Lead Singer and Songwriter of The Bravery).^Shakira Official Website: Shakira.com .

In June 2009, several music journalists and reviewers got an advance listen of the track. The reviews were positive.[56][57].The Spanish version titled, "Loba", premiered on June 29, 2009.[58] Shakira premiered "She Wolf" on Z100 and KIIS-FM on July 13, 2009.[59][60] On July 14, 2009 "She Wolf" and "Loba" became available to download from iTunes.^She Wolf from the LP She Wolf ARC Chart Run : 40 - 30 - 24 - 14 - 12 - 11 - 8 - 8 - 11 - 13 - 23 - 32 - off .

.Shakira confirmed that she will embark on a tour in 2010 on the Elvis Duran & The Morning Show on Z100.^In March 2000, Shakira embarked on her Tour Anfibio, a two-month tour of Latin America and the United States.

.Shakira recently performed two songs for two separate Haiti benefit events: "I'll Stand By You", by The Pretenders, and "Solo le Pido a Dios" by Mercedes Sosa.^Shakira was rumored to have been chosen to record the song "Sabes Una Cosa", but this have recently been denied.

Collaborations and other work

.In 2003, Shakira wrote with musician Tim Mitchell a song called "Come Down Love" for the Hollywood movie The Italian Job starring South African actress Charlize Theron & Mark Wahlberg, but finally the song was not included on the soundtrack of the same.^Shakira wrote her first song by age 8 and was signed to Sony Music Colombia by age 13 (after leaving home to become a model).

.In late 2006, Shakira and Alejandro Sanz worked together again in the duet "Te lo Agradezco, Pero No", which is featured on Sanz' album El Tren de los Momentos.^Shakira dyed her long brown hair blonde, romanced Antonio de la Rua (son of the former president of Argentina), and went to work on her first (mostly) English-language album, Laundry Service .

.Shakira worked with Miguel Bosé in the duet "Si Tú No Vuelves", which was released in Bosé's album Papito, which celebrates his 30-year career.^"Si Tu No Vuelves", which was released in Bos?'s album Papito, which celebrates his 30-year career.

.In early 2007, Shakira worked with American R&B singer Beyoncé in the track "Beautiful Liar", which was released as the second single from the deluxe edition of Knowles' B'Day.^The single " Beautiful Liar " was certified gold.

.In the week of April 7, 2007, the song jumped 91 positions, from 94 to 3, on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, setting the record for the largest upward movement in the history of the chart.^This Colombian dynamic pop star seemingly has it all as she has broken many music chart records, is super sexy, and epitomizes all that there is to be a HOT Latin performer.

The song was one of Knowles' most successful worldwide.The song was particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina and Spain, where it landed at #1.

.According to Billboard, Shakira, along with Lil Wayne would collaborate on a new track for Carlos Santana's greatest hits CD titled Ultimate Santana.^According to Billboard , Shakira, along with Lil Wayne would collaborate on a new track for Carlos Santana's greatest hits CD titled Ultimate Santana .

[63].However, this collaboration has been cancelled, and Shakira and Lil' Wayne have been replaced by Jennifer Lopez and Baby Bash.^However, we have known recently that this collaboration has been canceled.

Shakira performing with Usher and Stevie Wonder at the We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial

.Shakira performed on January 18, 2009 at the Lincoln Memorial "We Are One" festivities in honor of the inauguration of PresidentBarack Obama.^More » Colombian singer Shakira lends support to Obama AP - Oct 4, 2008 Colombian superstar Shakira says Democrat Barack Obama is the best candidate for president, citing his leadership skills.

She performed "Higher Ground" with Stevie Wonder and Usher. She also performed during the evening of January 20, 2009 at the Neighborhood Ball for the President's inauguration. .The song she performed was Van Morrison's "Bright Side of the Road". This song featured Shakira on harmonica.^Although little known outside of her native Colombia, Shakira was invited to perform at Chile's Vi?a del Mar International Song Festival in February 1993.

In March 2009, Shakira appeared on the album Cantora 1 of the Argentinian folk singer Mercedes Sosa with the song "La Maza", which both singers sang on the ALAS concert in Buenos Aires in May 2008.[66]

Love in the Time of Cholera soundtrack

.Shakira wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the music for two new songs that are featured in the movie Love in the Time of Cholera, based on the acclaimed novel by Colombian author Gabriel García Marquez.^For this soundtrack, Shakira wrote two new songs: Hay Amores and La Despedida .

^According to an article published on December 10, 2006 in The Boston Globe , Shakira is to provide three songs for the soundtrack of the film adaptation of the Gabriel Garc?a M?rquez novel Love in the Time of Cholera , which is scheduled for release November 16, 2007.

.García Marquez himself asked Shakira to write the songs.^The students, all of whom are Americans, were shown the video of Shakiras Whenever, Wherever and asked to write down any commentaries that came to mind.

[67].The songs are called "Pienso en ti", a song from Shakira's breakthrough album Pies Descalzos, "Hay Amores" and "Despedida". All the songs can be downloaded via iTunes, as well as the score by Antonio Pinto.^For this soundtrack, Shakira wrote two new songs: Hay Amores and La Despedida .

.In 2000, she started dating Antonio de la Rúa, the son of the then President of ArgentinaFernando de la Rúa, a romance that made headline news throughout Latin America.^In 2000, Shakira started dating Antonio de la R?a, the son of then president of Argentina Fernando de la R?a, a romance that made headline news throughout Latin America.

There have been many rumors regarding the couple over the years. .In June 2007, Latin American media speculated that the couple had finally split up.^In June 2007, Latin American media speculated that the couple had finally split up and that Shakira was involved romantically with Irish actor Colin Farrell since both were seen in a Los Angeles disco.

.On the previous days, Shakira and Antonio were seen in a restaurant in New York City, facing and denying the rumors one more time.^On the previous days, Shakira and Antonio were seen in a restaurant in New York City, facing and denied the rumors one more time.

[70].Shakira's future mother-in-law Inés Pertiné claimed the wedding would take place in September 2007 in the mansion which Shakira owns in the Dominican Republic, but the wedding did not happen.^September 2007 in the mansion which Shakira owns in the Dominican Republic (though this didn't happen).

.She also said that Shakira has already ordered Argentine designer María Pryor to design her wedding dress.^She also said that Shakira has already ordered Argentinian designer Mar?a Pryor to design her wedding dress.

[71].All this was denied by Shakira herself in Mexico.^Oh I won't deny my hips don't lie And I am starting to feel it's right All the attraction, the tension Don't you see baby, this is perfection Shakira, Shakira .

[73] A Twitter update from her on September 4, 2009 stated (translated from the Spanish) "We are neither married nor fighting [contrary to rumors]. We are very together and very good. 9 years!"[74].Shakira has stated their relationship already works as a married couple, and that "they don't need papers for that."^They need to see that life it's lots of hard work, but also life it's fun.

[76].After her Oral Fixation tour ended in summer 2007, Shakira attended a class in Los Angeles at UCLA, on the History of Western Civilization.^After her Oral Fixation tour ended in summer 2007, Shakira audited a class in Los Angeles at UCLA, on the History of Western Civilization.

^In June 2007, Latin American media speculated that the couple had finally split up and that Shakira was involved romantically with Irish actor Colin Farrell since both were seen in a Los Angeles disco.

.She used her middle and last names, Isabel Mebarak, and told the professor she was visiting from Colombia so as to avoid being recognized as a celebrity.^Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll was born on February 2, 1977 in Barranquilla, Colombia.

^Shakira turned to acting and played a role in a Colombian telenovela ("El Oasis"), but returned to the music business in 1995 with the album Pies descalzos (Barefeet), which established her commercial success.

.On July 2, 2005 she performed her hits "Whenever, Wherever" and "La Tortura" on the Live 8benefit concert at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris.^On July 2, 2005 she performed her hits " Whenever , Wherever" and "La Tortura " on the Live 8 benefit concert at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris.

^On September 28, 2007 at the Clinton Global Initiative, it was revealed that Shakira's newest charity, called ALAS Foundation (America Latina en Accion Solidaria - Latin America for Solidarity), donated a massive $40 million to help the victims of natural disasters.

^"Shakira, like all our Goodwill Ambassadors, was chosen based on her compassion, her involvement in global issues, her deep commitment to helping children, and her appeal to young people around the world.

."Shakira, like all our Goodwill Ambassadors, was chosen based on her compassion, her involvement in global issues, her deep commitment to helping children, and her appeal to young people around the world.^Shakira is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and is one of their global representatives.

^"Shakira, like all our Goodwill Ambassadors, was chosen based on her compassion, her involvement in global issues, her deep commitment to helping children, and her appeal to young people around the world.

.I know she'll help bring UNICEF's mission to the audience who will have the most impact on our future – young people themselves", said UNICEF's Executive Director Carol Bellamy.^I know she'll help bring UNICEF's mission to the audience who will have the most impact on our future ?

^"Shakira, like all our Goodwill Ambassadors, was chosen based on her compassion, her involvement in global issues, her deep commitment to helping children, and her appeal to young people around the world.

.At the event, the singer said, "Let's not forget that at the end of this day when we all go home, 960 children will have died in Latin America."^No Shakira at the Grammies Cherry Creek News - Denver,CO,USA The Grammies with go off tomorrow night with no Shakira performance this year -- no Latin performers at all.

.On September 28, 2007 at the Clinton Global Initiative, it was revealed that Shakira received a commitment of $40 million from the Spanish government to help the victims of natural disasters.^While at the Clinton Global Initiative conference in New York, Shakira announced that she would donate $45 million to help various areas in Latin America plagued by problems that have gone unfixed.

.An additional $5 million was to be donated to four Latin American countries, to be spent on education and health.^(July 2008) Announced that Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim and American Howard Buffett will donate $200 million to a foundation that helps poor children in Latin America.

In December 2007, Shakira visited Bangladesh to appeal for the victims of Cyclone Sidr. She spent 3 days with the victims and visited children affected by the disaster in schools built by UNICEF and participated in the distribution of family kits and warm clothes. She said that little was left of the school she visited in the village of Mirzapur, but it still provided an "oasis" for the children. ."I am more convinced than ever that education is the key to so many of the difficulties that our children face in countries like mine or in developing countries like this one.^The remaining $5 will be donated to educational projects for children who live in poverty and cannot afford proper schooling in Latin American countries.

.People En Español announced in their December 2008/January 2009 issue that Shakira is the "Humanitarian of the Year" as part of their "Las Estrellas del Año" (Stars of the Year) awards.^He will receive an award for his humanitarian work whilst others who have to compete for awards include Kelly Clarkson, Gwen Stefani, Shakira and Mariah Carey ...

[88].Shakira was also ranked at number 48 on the list of Top 50 Most Charitable Celebrities by OK! magazine.^The 23-year-old tops the 46th annual worst-dressed list, ahead of fellow chart stars Jessica Simpson, Mariah Carey and Shakira .

It reported that she donates approximately $55,000 to charity yearly.[89]

.On her 32nd birthday, Shakira opened a new $6-Million school in her hometown Barranquilla, which was sponsored by herself and her Pies Descalzos Foundation.^Official website Shakira on iLike Shakira on MySpace Ringtones Shakira's Youtube Channel Barefoot Foundation Fundación Pies Descalzos Movimiento ALAS Sounds like .

On December 7, 2009 Shakira was honored as a guest at Oxford University to give a speech about her work with children and education. She was chosen by the Oxford Union and joined the ranks of Albert Einstein, several US Presidents, Mother Teresa, and the Dalai Lama XIV, as a chosen speaker. .During the speech, Shakira said, "That is how I want the youth of 2060 to see us: That our mission for global peace consisted of sending 30,000 educators to Afghanistan, not 30,000 soldiers.^In fact i have actually met Shakira, i asked her how tall she was she said 5'2 then i said thats impossible ypu must be 5'0 coz im 5'0 and im the same height as you!

In March 2010, she was awarded a medal by the United Nations' International Labor Organization in recognition of being, as UN Labor Chief Juan Somavia put it, a "true ambassador for children and young people, for quality education and social justice."[92]

.In an interview with Rolling Stone she said: "My music, I think, is a fusion of many different elements.^In one interview with Rolling Stones magazine, Shakira explained that the spirit of conquest is a trait that has survived in human beings from the beginning.

And I'm always experimenting. So I try not to limit myself, or put myself in a category, or... be the architect of my own jail".[93] Her earlier Spanish albums, including Pies Descalzos and ¿Dónde Están Los Ladrones? were a mix of folk music and Latin rock, while her cross-over English album, Laundry Service and her later albums were influenced by pop rock and pop Latino.[94].Her 2009 album, She Wolf is more like electropop and dance music.^TOTP - Christmas Special (2009) TV episode (performer: "She Wolf") Premios Principales 2009 (2009) (TV) (performer: "Loba", "Lo hecho está hecho") "So You Think You Can Dance" (2 episodes, 2009) ...

Influences

.Shakira has told many interviewers that she had grown fond to listening to oriental music, which influenced many of her earlier works.^I've worked in a uniform shop for school kids, and I can't tell you how many times I've been told I'm shorter than a primary school girl.

[96] It also has influence partly for her Arabic heritage, which was a major inspiration for her breakthrough world hit "Ojos Así".[97] She told Portuguese TV "Many of my movements belong to Arab culture,".[97] She also cites her parents as major contributors to her musical style.[97]

.Shakira made several covers of prominent artists such AC/DC and Aerosmith, using them to sing in her tours, resulting in performances of "Back in Black"[102] and "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" during her Tour of the Mongoose.^As Gabriel Garca Mrquez once wrote of her, "Shakira's music has a personal stamp that doesn't look like anyone else's and no one can sing or dance like her, at whatever age, with such an innocent sensuality, one that seems to be of her own invention."

.She also has strongly influenced by Andean music and South American folk music, using her native instrumentation for the Latin dance-pop "Whenever, Wherever" and in more serious and mournful "Despedida", marking it the song of my dreams.^Shakira: South American dream .

Dancing

Shakira dancing at Rock in Rio

‎Shakira is well known for her dancing in various music videos and in concert. .Her moves are based on the art of Arabicbelly dancing, a part of her Lebanese heritage: her father has a Lebanese background but was raised in Colombia.^Shakira credits her Middle Eastern-influenced dance moves to her father's Lebanese heritage.

She often performs barefoot. Shakira says she learned this form of dance as a young teen to overcome her shyness. .She also mentioned in a MTV interview that she learned how to belly dance by trying to flip a coin with her belly.^I want to learn how to do that belly dance I am very interested...

[104].The intense training has afforded her a fluidity in her body movement most seen in the videos to her hits "Ojos Así", "La Tortura", "Hips Don't Lie", Whenever, Wherever / Suerte, "Beautiful Liar" and She Wolf / Loba.^An international icon since the mid-nineties, Shakira found stardom in America during the new millennium with the worldwide number one singles, "Wherever, Whenever" and "The Hips Don't Lie."

She has had several belly dance choreographers, including award-winning Bellydance Superstar Boženka.[105].As the MTV Making the Video for "La Tortura" reveals, she worked with Jamie King on the choreography, but ended up creating most of it herself.^The April 26 episode of MTV's "Making the Video" showed behind-the-scenes clips of "La Tortura" and ended with the premiere of the video.

Acting

.Shakira appeared in the Colombian telenovelaEl Oasis in 1995, playing the character of Luisa Maria.^Shakira turned to acting and played a role in a Colombian telenovela ("El Oasis"), but returned to the music business in 1995 with the album Pies descalzos (Barefeet), which established her commercial success.

Records, achievements and trivia

.According to BMI, Shakira is the highest-selling Colombian artist of all time, having sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.^Puerto Rican Daddy Yankee became a bankable star, selling a million copies of his Barrio Fino CD, while Shakira fused the rhythm into her monstrously ...

Shakira became the first artist in the history of the Billboard charts to earn the coveted number one spots on both the Top 40 Mainstream and Latin Chart in the same week doing so with "Hips Don't Lie".[110]

."La Tortura" broke the record on the Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks chart, appearing at #1 more than any other single (a total of 25 non-consecutive weeks).^Shakira's "La Tortura," a single from the first of two albums she released in 2005, spent most of the year at No.

According to Yahoo!, "Hips Don't Lie" is the Best-Selling Single of the Last 10 Years, which is apparently the best-selling single since 2000.[112]

.According to Forbes Magazine, Shakira was the 4th highest-earning woman in music for 2008 behind Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion.^Ya Libnan - Beirut,Lebanon The Lebanese-Colombian singer Shakira has an IQ of 140, according to the New York "Village Voice", making her, along with Madonna, the smartest woman in ...

The Colombian music artist is also known for having made a song named "Timor" based on fighting in East Timor between gangs (groups of criminals with guns), security forces (small, personal armies), and the government.